Nirdiganta to Host Four-Day Theatre and Arts Festival in Mangaluru

Nirdiganta to Host Four-Day Theatre and Arts Festival in Mangaluru

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 16, 2025: Nirdiganta, an incubation centre for theatre and arts established by actor Prakash Raj in K. Shetihalli, Srirangapatna, will host the ‘Nirdiganta Utsava’ in Mangaluru from February 28 to March 3.

The festival, organized in collaboration with St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), will feature a diverse array of cultural events, including plays, Yakshagana performances, singing sessions, and discussions on contemporary issues in the coastal region.

Addressing the media in Mangaluru on Saturday, Prakash Raj said that around 60 delegates from the coastal belt are expected to participate in the event.

The festival will commence on February 28 with an inaugural ceremony at 10:30 a.m., where senior writer and Karnataka Development Authority chairman Purushottama Bilimale will deliver the keynote address.

Eight Dramas to be Staged
The festival will showcase eight dramas in Tulu, Konkani, and Malayalam, performed by renowned theatre groups:

February 28: For a Bite of Food (directed by Shakeel Ahmed, Spinning Tree Theatre, Vijayapura) and Gudiya Nodiranna (directed by Mahadeva Hadapada, Aatamada, Dharwad).
March 1: Hyangan (Konkani, directed by Klenwin, Ranga Adhyayana Kendra, Mangaluru) and Kuhu: Anthology on the Riles (Malayalam, directed by Arun Lal, Little Earth School of Theatre, Kerala).
March 2: Rasidi Ticket (directed by Savitha Rani, Nirdiganta) and Tindige Banda Tunderaya (directed by Shakeel Ahmed, Nirdiganta).
March 3: Eedi (directed by Viddu Uchchila, Sumanasa Kodavoor) and Mai Managala Suliyalli (directed by Amith Reddy, Nirdiganta).

Additionally, two street plays will be performed on the final day: Navu Yavaga Badalagutteve by team Samsara, Puttur, and Eega Heli Navu Eenmadona by team Samsara, Jodumarga.

Insightful Sessions and Cultural Performances

The festival will also feature sessions on topics such as:

•     Changing format of Yakshagana (Feb. 28)
•     Interrelations of coastal languages and traditions (March 1)
•     Conservation of performing arts in the coastal belt (March 2)
•     The status of coastal theatre (March 3)

Cultural highlights include the singing of paadanas (narrative songs), Kudubi dance performances, and the beating of Koraga Dolu. A Yakshagana performance of Koti-Chennaya will take place at 3 p.m. on the inaugural day.

The ‘Nirdiganta Utsava’ promises to be a vibrant celebration of the coastal region’s rich artistic heritage and an engaging platform for dialogue and creativity.